Faucet extension which makes it easier to reach the running water.

ABSTRACT

This invention is a device which attaches to the end of a faucet and extends outward to allow a child, or any individual who might have difficulty reaching the faucet, to easily and safely reach the running water.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is never too early to begin teaching children healthy habits such as washing their hands and face and brushing their teeth. It is very important to teach them how to wash their hands and make sure they know to do so before and after they eat, after using the toilet, after playing outside, and any time their hands get dirty. It is also important to teach them the importance of brushing their teeth on a regular basis.

For children to complete these tasks, they need access to a sink with running water. Many parents use a portable step for their children to get closer to the bathroom sink; however, at a young age, it is still difficult to reach the faucet. Even with the assistance of a step, many children are not tall enough to reach their hands underneath the running water.

If parents can make it easier for their children to wash or brush, it is more likely to become a routine. It also helps children develop a sense of self assurance and pride if they are allowed to complete these tasks with minimal assistance.

It is not only children who might need assistance. Individuals with physical disabilities also have difficulties reaching the running water from a faucet.

Current products on the market provide solutions for extending the faucet; however none of these solutions offer a way to adapt an existing faucet.

U.S. Pat. Application No. 20040010848 describes a pull-out faucet which allows the spray head to be extended and retracted. This solution, however, would require the complete replacement of a fixture.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,758,690 and 6,370,713 also describe pull-out faucets which can be pulled closer using a flexible hose; however these are also part of a complete fixture.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is a device which attaches to the end of a faucet and extends outward to allow a child, or any individual who might have difficulty reaching the faucet, to easily and safely reach the running water.

Most modern kitchen and bathroom faucets have standard size outlets with threads just inside the outlet for screwing in an aerator. An aerator is a threaded adapter which contains a screen or filter for regulating the flow of water and preventing sediments from passing.

This invention attaches to the faucet by removing the aerator and screwing the threaded end of the device into the outlet. When it is no longer needed, the device can be removed by unscrewing it from the outlet and screwing the aerator back into place.

There are many advantages of such a device:

(1) This device allows small children to use the sink to wash their hands and face or brush their teeth.

(2) This device can assist individuals with physical disabilities to reach the running water.

(3) This device can extend a standard faucet without having to replace the fixture. Because children may only need this device for a short time, the device can also be removed to return the sink to normal operation.

(4) This device helps teach healthy habits which have been proven to prevent sickness.

(5) This device helps develop a sense of self assurance and pride for children who no longer need assistance from their parents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross section showing the side view of the faucet extension attached to a bathroom faucet.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the faucet extension.

FIG. 3 is a detailed section and elevation of the faucet extension.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is composed of the following components, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings:

-   -   (1) A threaded adapter 1B, 3A which can be manufactured with         various sizes and threads to fit any faucet. The adapter is used         to screw the device into the outlet of a faucet 1A, 2B after the         aerator has been removed. The adapter can optionally contain a         screen or filter, similar to the one that is located in a         typical aerator.     -   (2) A ball joint 1C, 3B pivots inside the adapter and allows the         faucet extension 2C to be rotated in any direction while         maintaining a water-tight seal.     -   (3) An elbow fitting 1D, 3C is attached to the ball joint 1C, 3B         and angles the water toward the user of the sink.     -   (4) A flexible tube 1E, 3D is attached to the fitting and         extends outward, bringing the water closer to the user of the         sink. The tube is flexible, yet rigid enough to hold its shape.         The tube can be bent in any direction 1G, 2D and reduces the         distance required to reach the running water D1, D2.     -   (5) A spout 1F, 3E is attached to the end of the tube. It is         here where the water from the faucet is dispensed into the sink         1H, 2A. Because the tube is flexible and the spout can be         immersed into dirty water, it contains a backflow preventer.         Backflow is usually caused by siphoning and happens when water         traveling from one system backs into any part of the main water         supply system. 

1. A device which attaches to the end of a faucet, extending it outward and making it easier for an individual to reach the running water, comprising: a threaded adapter; a ball joint, an elbow fitting, a flexible tube; and a spout.
 2. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein the said threaded adapter can screw into faucet outlets of various sizes and threads, and can optionally contain a screen or filter through which the water passes.
 3. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein the said ball joint pivots within the said threaded adapter, allowing the faucet extension to be rotated in any direction while maintaining a water-tight seal.
 4. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein the said elbow fitting is of a shape and texture that makes it easy to grip and turn.
 5. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein the said tube allows water to pass through and is fabricated from a flexible material that can hold its shape when bent.
 6. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein the said spout dispenses the water from the said tube and contains a backflow preventer to stop water from being siphoned back into the spout. 